This position is located at Lebanon VA Medical Center within the Pathology and Laboratory service line.
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) performs, evaluates, interprets, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods. In addition to routine testing, the CLS conducts quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. The CLS correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results, and the need for additional tests. The CLS assesses a situation, considers the options, and formulates an appropriate course of action. This assignment includes monitoring quality control systems and measures, collaborating in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and providing education for laboratory health care professionals and the public in a professional, courteous, and effective manner. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Evaluates and solves problems related to the collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis, considering physiologic processes and requirements. Performs quality control and assurance activities and documents corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment, including identifying malfunctions and performing repairs and preventive maintenance. Ability to diagnose deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors that influence test results. Interprets test results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures. Assists with evaluating and implementing new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods. Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace with immediate or general supervision. Participates in education for laboratory professionals. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines with minimal assistance. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member, giving direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. Functions in more complex targeted laboratory roles, responsibilities, or projects including but not limited to laboratory safety, quality management, quality improvement, analyzer operation, quality control, inventory control, laboratory competency assessment, proficiency testing, education, and/or ancillary testing. Performs additional duties as assigned. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: 7a-330p or 8a-430p; all shifts include rotating weekends and holidays. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Melanie.Johnson8@va.gov (412) 822-2048
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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